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Al JolsonCollected Works of Al Jolson

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Reviewer: Tassie - - May 24, 2008
Subject: The Elvis Presley of Yesteryear
I have just watched the DVD's of Jolson's life and career. I can remember hearing his music around 1948-50 and it now makes me feel 17 again!

Reviewer: MisterRon - - April 27, 2008
Subject: Talented but...
Jolson was wonderfully talented, but was an SOB. Often, whenever he was in a Broadway play, he would stop the play early, walk over to the front of the stage and say "Look folks, the guy gets the girl. Now do you want to watch the rest of the play or hear me sing?"

Of course, the audience would shout "Sing!" and the rest of the actors and actresses would stand around backstage and do nothing. It got to a point where nobody wanted to be in a stage show with Jolson, because no one would ever get to see them.

Reviewer: Robin_1990 - - February 21, 2008
Subject: Excellent!
I'm glad IA has made these songs available for free download, They are awesome! I've put them on my iPod, They are very catchy. The sound quality is good for the time. 2 Thumbs Up!

Reviewer: Jolson_fan - - December 18, 2007
Subject: Jolson song compilations from his movies.
Google "Jolsonfan" and watch some compilations of Jolson's movies on Motionbox. Great stuff, and free.

Reviewer: DustnRust - - December 5, 2007
Subject: Dear MetroBase
These songs are great.....but the sound quality isn't. I'd surely appreciate the processed versions that you offer, MetroBase. Can you load them on the site or let me know how to getthem otherwise.

Thanks from a big Jolie fan.

Reviewer: violets from tiny seeds - - November 29, 2007
Subject: Not a review but
I remember a Jolson song which I think was called "violets can do it why can't you"

Can I obtain?

Reviewer: joliekin - - November 1, 2007
Subject: FROM A JOLSON RELATIVE
THIS SITE IS AWESOME. I NEVER HEARD MANY OF THESE WW1 SONGS. I WISHED I HAD ME MY GRANDFATHER AND AL JOLSON. THEY WERE 1st COUSINS. AT LEAST I CAN SAY I HAVE THAT MUCH! :)

GREAT STUFF HERE. ENJOYING IT IMMENSELY.

Reviewer: Pixiecherries - - August 19, 2007
Subject: Are these public domain?
Wish the contributor had specified whether these are public domain or not. The are great recordings!

Reviewer: pastorwilliambarhorst@yahoo.com - - June 6, 2007
Subject: Where can I find other Al Jolson songs
My Favorites are "Mammy" and "California Here I Come"
Mammy, My Little Mammy, The sun shines east, the sun shines west, but I know where, the sun shines best, Mammy, My Little Mammy,I'd walk a million miles for one of your smiles, my Mammy!
Both of these songs were made popular by even 3 Dog Night.

Reviewer: MetroBase - - October 13, 2006
Subject: Play it for Jolie
This is a great collections of song by the man himself. Albeit dated-the songs reflect the time- WWI_National Pride_Down Home Negro songs_ Innocent Love-remember that_The Jazz Age and Als great voice and performance not to mention the orchestral style-as in Alexandra Ragtime Band.
The download fidelity and quality is bad- very bad. However Iâve process these files in a program call AudioCleaner 3.0 and have succeeded in good quality sound with no hissing or crackling- have added bass resonance and a vocal punch with clarity and +5 db gain. The result is smashing. If anyone is interested in these processed files let me know Iâm glad to share these public domain files. Anyhow just sit back listen and enjoy Al Jolson one of the 20th century great vocalist and performer

MetroBase

Reviewer: judeblack, bbc - - August 11, 2006
Subject: Jolson Justified
George Burns said that Al Jolson's greatest fan was Al Jolson. That may sound egotistical, but after listening to these recordings, I have to say, Jolson had a lot to be proud of. He really had a tremendous voice that really soars. His recording of "You Made Me Love You" almost eclipses Judy Garland -- now that's real talent! (And George Burns never could sing.)

Reviewer: GrumpyB - - March 31, 2006
Subject: Jolson Collection
Truly, Jolie was one of the greats. Although his voice was at its best during the heyday of acustic recordings, its quality still comes through. One point. Jolson's voice matured in the 1940s not 50s. Jolson died in 1950 during a poker game. One story goes that he said "deal me in boys. i'm feeling lucky," then keeled over face down on the card table, dead of a massive heart attack.

Reviewer: Spuzz - - March 20, 2006
Subject: It just keeps Bob bob bobbin along..
Although Jolson is not my favorite early 20th Century singer, you got to hand it to him that the guy had a voice and knew how to use it. This collection, which is missing some key songs (like Mamee and The Anniversary Song (maybe theyÃÂÃÂre under copyright?) is a great introduction to his work. I especially liked the three versions of Swannee and I've got my Captain working for me now. Although his improvisation, his Dixie infatuation and his fake stutter do get annoying at times, I really enjoyed these.

Reviewer: jukeboxfun - - January 24, 2006
Subject: Great Stuff!
Jolson was simply one of the greatest performers of the twentieth century. If you have only heard his re-recordings of these classics he did in the 1940's, you must give these original 78's a listen.

Reviewer: hfm61 - - January 21, 2006
Subject: Jolson the great?
The recordings sound fantastic! the crackles only add to the quality and the man`s noice is superb. he had fun with the spaniard that blighted his life. Odd that in the fifties his voice matured into that rich dark velvet thing in the anniversary song..

Reviewer: drowsybaker - - November 8, 2005
Subject: Classics.
Love it. Particularly, That Haunting Melody and When the Red Red Robin Comes Bob-Bob-Bobbin' Along.